5 Wisconsin Students Making The Badger State Proud

Wisconsin is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.

Check out five exceptional Wisconsin students making a big impact. And if you know a student who deserves a shoutout, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them for a chance to be featured as a Star Student on Patch!

Riley De Vor (Waukesha) — In May 2024, Riley De Vor was recognized as an Outstanding Student at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) School of Protective & Human Services. This prestigious award highlights students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their studies, leadership and contributions to their field. Riley has served as secretary of the WCTC Criminal Justice Club and as a Community Service Officer with the West Bend Police Department (WBPB) since 2022. She was sworn in as a Law Enforcement Officer with the WBPD on July 29, 2024. Read more here.

Destiny Counts (Muskego) — Demonstrating financial savvy and strong planning for the future, Muskego High School student Destiny Counts was named a recipient of the 2024 Money Smart Wisconsin Scholarship. Selected from 160 applicants, Destiny's winning essay outlined a strategic approach to financing higher education, identifying key funding sources and debt management strategies. As one of only 15 students statewide — and among 10 first-generation college students — awarded, Destiny earned a $1,000 contribution to a 529 college savings account. Read more here.

Shloke Jani (Hudson) — Earning the prestigious title of National Merit Scholar is a testament to Hudson High School alumni Shloke Jani’s academic excellence and dedication to learning. Recognized among the nation’s top high school scholars that year, Shloke’s achievement places him in an elite group of students who have excelled in standardized testing, rigorous coursework and extracurricular involvement. Shloke continues his education as a biology major at Williams College, with future goals of applying to medical school and becoming a neurosurgeon. Read more here.

Alara Rajek (Appleton) — Named the 2024-2025 Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, Alara Rajek stands out as an exceptional young leader committed to service, academic excellence and personal growth. She plans to use this honor—and the $1,000 postsecondary scholarship it brings—to champion greater access to mentorship and mental health resources, inspired by the support she has received. Outside of the Club, Alara volunteers with youth programs like Juntos and Girls on the Run and hopes to pursue a career in radiology. Read more here.

Anastasia Poull (Port Washington) — Anastasia Poull, a Port Washington native, was named the 2023 Outstanding Student in Animal Science at South Dakota State University. Despite not having an agricultural background, she immersed herself in the field, excelling in leadership roles, extracurriculars and community service. Anastasia has also participated in numerous extracurricular campus activities, including Little International, the Pride of the Dakota’s Marching Band, Adopt-Brookings, American Sign Language Club and Country Swing Dance Club, and even served as a CAFES Ambassador. Read more here.

These exceptional students are just a glimpse of the incredible talent in Wisconsin. The future is certainly looking bright! If you know a Star Student making an impact in your community, nominate them today to be featured on Patch!